A Chat With Jared and Jensen – On Living Sam and Dean, Costars Who Smell Bad, and Looking Ahead to Season Six

We were lucky enough to join a small group of fans at last weekend’s Supernatural convention in LA for a ‘private Q&A’ with Jared and Jensen. Private is a relative term – it’s not like we were having alone time with the boys, alas. But talking to someone sitting right across from you, without an intervening microphone, is a lot more informal than asking questions in a packed auditorium with security flanking both sides of the stage, so this was fun – and an excellent opportunity for some more Fangasm questions!

LA 2010 Supernatural convention

Jared and Jensen pulled up chairs (Jared immediately spun his around and straddled it, leaning his elbows on the back like a big kid) and were laid back and eager to chat. The small group of fangirls (and one fanboy), on the other hand, were surprisingly quiet – and maybe not so surprisingly nervous. Some had their questions written on index cards, presumably in case the sight of the boys up close and personal and engaged in normal conversation was too distracting to allow higher brain functions to work properly – which we can completely understand. Lynn was the only one partaking of the appetizers that the con thoughtfully provided – hey, free food! — though she managed not to talk with her mouth full for the most part.
We were thrilled when Jensen brought up his admiration for Serge Ladouceur’s talent during the Q&A on the main stage earlier (you can read about our own admiration in our two-part interview with Serge here). In the private Q&A, Jensen brought Serge up again, saying that he’d even lit the two Dean’s differently in “The End”, a subtle but crucial difference.

So we were glad to have the chance to tell Jensen and Jared what Serge had said to us about his admiration for them – and their amazing ability to emote without resorting to artificial tears. The boys seemed pleased, and then we asked, “So, how do you do that?”

Jensen jumped in to answer first, saying that it’s changed — in the beginning, when he and Jared didn’t really know each other that well, and neither of them really knew their characters, they needed to think about something from their real lives in order to ‘get there.’ Jensen talked about how Jared thought about having to put down his own beloved dogs, Sadie and Harley, when Sam was faced with killing Madison the werewolf in the episode “Heart.” The parallels made the emotions even more powerful – so much that Jensen got choked up for real thinking about how much it would hurt Jared to do that. So both Sam’s anguish – and the heartbreaking image of Dean’s single tear of empathy – were both genuine. Jensen added with empathy of his own that it took a long time for Jared to calm down after shooting that day.

Now neither actor has to think about something from their lives outside of Supernatural. As Jensen said, they know these characters well enough to actually feel their emotions. He knows what Dean will feel in a given situation, and Jared knows what Sam will feel. When Sam died in Dean’s arms in “All Hell Breaks Loose”, that anguish was all Dean’s, because Jensen knows how Dean would feel if Sam were dead. Jared knew exactly how Sam would feel seeing Dean “ribboned” (Jensen’s words) by the hell hounds at the end of Season 3. Sam was devastated, torn apart, and his reaction was simply the natural result of that agony. They’re living these characters, and understand what Sam and Dean are to each other. And that knowledge – both of their characters, and of their characters’ bond – allows them to just feel, and the camera captures the results.

Jensen went on to say that being able to feel as your character makes a difference to how emotions look onscreen, because you’re allowing yourself to feel what you would feel without trying, instead of saying in your head, “okay, I have to cry here.” Neither of the actors has to do that on Supernatural, and that’s what gives their understated acting such an emotional punch for viewers. As Jensen said, most of the time when you’re that upset in real life, you’re not trying to cry, you’re trying not to cry. And if Dean is really feeling that anguish, then he can try to hold it together too, and Jensen can show that because he’s really experiencing it. “It’s hard work, your body doesn’t know the difference,” he said again, as he’s noted before. “It can mess you up inside crying like that, sometimes for the rest of the day”.

(Jensen also gave the example of how tempting it is to overact when you’re trying to convey being drunk – when in reality, if you’re drunk you’re usually trying not to look it! This was accompanied by a hysterical demonstration of inebriated overacting, complete with ungainly sprawls in his chair and a few slurred words. We were reminded of the time we were interviewing him and he decided to act out an airport encounter with a twelve year old girl. Of course, he played both parts. Perfectly. Never try to drink something while you’re interviewing Jensen Ackles, unless you want to choke on it when he cracks you up).

Jared added that he and Jensen are both very attuned to when that kind of overplaying is happening with other actors. Good Will Hunting is one of Jared’s favorite films, but there’s one scene where the actor just doesn’t quite get it right – there’s a specific quirk of his mouth that doesn’t strike the appropriate expression, and it throws Jared out of the moment every time he sees it. As we sat there listening and nodding our heads at the boys in enthusiastic agreement, we realized that hardly ever happens in Supernatural – and how rare that is in film, and especially in television.

The boys answered a few questions about each other, which gave them a chance to pat each other on the back in a rather heartwarming way. Jensen said he “gets a kick out of it” when Jared gets to do lighter, more comedic scenes, because a) he doesn’t get enough of them, and b) he’s great at them. He cited “Bad Day at Black Rock” as an example, doing an impromptu imitation of Sam’s “I lost my shoooooe.” Oh, boys.
Jensen also got a chance to pay homage to Jared’s acting chops when someone asked a question about how he’d play the angel Michael if Dean ends up saying yes. Jensen said he’d take inspiration from the way Jared played Lucifer possessing Sam in “The End” – in fact, when actor Matt Cohen came to Jensen for advice on how to play young John possessed by Michael, Jensen actually took Matt to his trailer and played him the clip of Jared as Lucifer. “See?” he said to Matt, “Same guy, but different. You’re still his brother, but also this angelic otherworldly presence.” Jensen went on to say, “I was really impressed with Jared in “The End” as Lucifer, really proud of him.” He says that if he does ever get to play Michael, he’ll take Jared’s lead and try to copy how well he did it.

Jared listened with a shy grin on his face while Jensen sang his praises, which was all kinds of adorable. And Jared? We totally agree with Jensen. He rocked that scene.

Jensen also said that working with Jared as Lucifer was extremely difficult, because although he was playing Dean, he was getting none of the customary “Sam” responses back from Jared. They both talked about how much they depend on that closeness, that interplay between the brothers. As Jensen said, “Jared played Lucifer with Dean as if he didn’t mean anything to me.”

Not having that made “The End” one of the hardest episodes they’ve done, but also one they’re very proud of. Both like seeing the other tackle a different side of their character, like Future Dean or Sam/Lucifer – they seem to get a great deal of joy out of seeing the other have a chance to shine.

Their answer to our question was quite serious (and quite long – a great opportunity for an extended conversation, so believe me, we weren’t complaining!) But the boys were also playful, saying that when they read a new script what they get most excited about is figuring out if they have any days off, and telling tales out of school about costars who smell bad. (No, not just Jared. Apparently Jessica Alba and Katie Holmes have had some less-than-fragrant moments too. )

Someone asked about working together so much, and the boys talked about how close they were, not just with each other, but with the entire crew, the cameramen “right up in our space” and how they knew the crew as well or better than family and friends because they spend so much more time with them. They’ve all seen each other grow and change for five years, and most of the crew have stayed with the show even in the face of pay cuts, because Supernatural is such an amazing set to work on. One crew guy said he’d find it nearly impossible to work anywhere else. On our own visits to the Supernatural set over the past few years, we heard person after person say exactly the same thing.

Which means that we – and they – are very excited to have a Season 6! Jensen said that Season 1 and the current season are his favorites, so he’s excited that S6 might be a sort of ‘reset’ to Season 1. In fact, Jensen told us that the writers are already sketching out Seasons 7 and 8 “just in case”, which made us want to squee with delight. The boys seemed pretty delighted too.

Both Jensen and Jared talked about how this season is going to get very dark, how Sam and Dean “have to hit rock bottom” and eventually “have it out.” Somehow, sitting there watching Jensen and Jared take turns convincing us of each other’s merits (like anyone in the room needed convincing….) and listening to how intimately they know their characters and understand the strength of Sam and Dean’s bond, we’re not too worried about the outcome.

Related

Ladies, I think I hate you right now, because I’m so jealous. I wish I could’ve been there. I recall seeing Jensen doing his imitation of Sam at the first LA convention, and it was remarkably well observed. The man is a very clever mimic, and I’d have loved to see his ‘drunk’ act and his 12 year old girl.

It sounds as if Jared didn’t say very much. You are going to do a second part of this interview, aren’t you?

Thank you so much for sharing sounds like an amazing time with the boys and that is awesome. Also sounds like this last part of the season is going to break our hearts and now i am alittle worried about our boys but have total faith in whatever comes. Again thanks so much for sharing🙂

Thank you so much for sharing this! It sounds like you all had a great time with the guys. I love how complimentary Jensen was toward Jared’s performance as Lucifer. Jared did do a great job, but he is so often overlooked. He and Jensen are both outstanding young actors and have bright futures ahead of them. Their friendship is inspirational.

I second the above question from candygramme – will there be a part 2? I’d love to know what Jared had to say about Jensen.🙂

I don’t blame you not caring if any other question gets answered other than how these guys feel and are with each other and their characters and the crew…they really are very bonded. It must of been nice to really hear with the two of them standing there.

And I love how Jensen got to really express how he was so proud of Jared in The End where it was all about Dean and Jensen (who was supurb) but Jensens focus was also that Jareds portrayl was one he would emulate if got the chance to play Michael…

Lucky girls, thankyou for sharing. It must of been surreal sitting so close and personal to these guys…

Thank you for sharing! Season 7 & 8??? WOOOOOOOOT!!! My fannish cup runneth over at the thought. They’re absolutely wonderful actors, truly — I’ve never seen anything like what they do as Sam and Dean. Its remarkable. And obviously they’re thoughtful professionals and really nice guys. I just love being a fan of Show and the boys.

AWWWWWWWWWWWW. Most adorable interview EVER, well done ladies. Jared did a phenomenal job with Lucifer and I love Jensen so much for letting him know how proud he was, I love hearing the boys support and have each others back they truly are incredible human beings.

I just loved this! How lucky you were to be able to sit down with Jared and Jensen in such an intimate atmosphere and watch them together, hear them praise each other and get some questions answered!

Of course we’re well aware of their chemistry off-screen, which has morphed into such a magnificent relationship between Sam and Dean on-screen. It’s what has made SUPERNATURAL such a popular show, and what now has many complaining because they so miss the brothers’ close relationship in light of their current separation due to the oncoming apocalypse and the fact that Zachariah is doing his best to force a wedge between them so they will say yes to becoming vessels for Michael and Lucifer.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It’s one we would love to have and I appreciate being able to walk in your moccasins.

Ladies, another fabulous entry! I just love reading your stuff. And I get wonderful warm fuzzies when I get to hear/read the boys being so complimentary toward and gracious of each other. What lovely, kind men they are!

I’m so thrilled we get a season 6…and hot damn if everyone wants to do a 7 and an 8 (cuz we all know it will be the same amazing quality) then ROCK ON! Now we just need to convince the CW that they deserve it.

Ok, you’ve just described (in glorious detail I might add) a dream of mine, and that is to be able to sit and just chat to Jensen and Jared like friends sitting around a table sharing a coffee or in my case, a Tim Horton’s hot chocolate (yeah, you know me!!). I got a small taste of how wonderful this scenario is at the Australian Convention in 2009 during the Cocktail Party and again at the afternoon tea and while the time was brief, it was just incredible and far more relaxing than what I had expected, I could listen to Jensen and Jared talk all day if given the opportunity. I don’t know if you guys get the snackfood “Twisties” over there but the tag line for the product is “Life’s pretty straight without Twisties”, well, Jensen and Jared are like Twisties. I should also add that Twisties are delicous and leave you wanting more. (they’re kind of like Cheetos)
I’m with Sue, I’m jealous as heck but am also so very thankful that you guys share these fantastic experiences with us, but please, next time, can you bring me too??? 🙂
Well done Kathy and Lynn, I look forward to hearing more and reading your book.

Thanks again for an amazing glimpse inside the awesome friendship and smooth working relationship of the guys. Yes, we will most certainly take as many seasons of Supernatural as the boys want to do. I love hearing how the crew are as tight as family. It is no wonder that everyone is happy on set, they are doing amazing work in a great atmosphere and Jensen and Jared set the tone.

I too could listen all day to any and all stories that the Js wish to tell. Keep up the good work!’

Thanks so much for sharing your article with us. It is lovely to read all the wonderful things Jensen says about Jared. He is often very complementary about Jared and the rest of his coworkers. Do you think he got a chance to see you interview with Serge Ladoucier? It’s just the kind of filmi-geek stuff that Jensen seems love, I would imagine.

Will you be posting some details of what Jared said about Jensen as well? I loved what Jared had to say during the their panel but I would love to know if he had anything else to say about Jensen during the more intimate meet and greet.

Lynn and Kathy, it was so nice meeting you at the con, I wish we would have found more time to get to know each other a bit better.
Thanks so much for generously sharing this, this was a real treat.
I hope we’ll stay in touch, take good care and all my best, Jas

so there definitely will be a season 6 and possibly 7 ? i’m at a loss for words. i’m so happyyyy🙂 haha. and both Jared and Jensen were happy about this new season ? they don’t want to “get out” or stop doing the show ? they actually want to do it ? 🙂 yessssss🙂 ha.

Wow. So, you’re writing a book about the phenomenon that is Supernatural, h’m? Well, that’s awesome, and so is this interview. Jared and Jensen facinate me with their apparent closeness, and clearly displayed affection for each other and what they each do. Respect like that between friends is so rare, and especially between actors. I was trained as an actor, and I am ultimately glad I did not persue it. I really love the sort of Old Hollywood vibe these two young men share; Tyrone Power and Eroll Flynn, reincarnated. Much luck on the book. Thanks for this.

Well, just when I thought I had seen everything ever written about our boys, I stumbled across this interview, and it’s fab!! Thanks very much for posting it, and if I may just ask a favour of you: the next time you see the boys, could you please remind them that when they are in Australia, New Zealand is just next door! I will happily take them on a guided tour of the whole country! LOL.

Fan Phenomena: Supernatural on Amazon

Fangasm on Amazon

Fandom at the Crossroads on Amazon

Fan Culture: Theory/Practice on Amazon

Our Story

This is the story of two college professors who fell hard for a show called Supernatural. Obsession, devotion, fascination, call it what you will. We decided to figure out what was going on with us by writing a book on fandom from the fans' perspective. As academics do, we hit the libraries and internet, accumulating stacks of articles and hundreds of pages of research. We typed and revised and theorized, quoted and footnoted, and ended up with an academic text crammed full of the current scholarship on fandom.

This is not that book.

Somewhere along the line, the research took a back seat to the road trip as we traveled across the US and Canada interviewing the show’s fans, as well as the actors and directors, writers, journalists, bloggers, convention organizers, significant others and insignificant hangers-on. Fangasm! is the story of that year-long roadtrip -- the surprises we never saw coming, the secrets uncovered, the behind-the-scenes insights, the heartwarming and heartbreaking fan confessions. It’s also the story of our shared obsession and the friendship that sustains us through 4 am line-ups, overtaxed credit cards, canceled flights and airport camp-outs, and of course the occasional accusations of insanity.

Order Fangasm now from Amazon by clicking the link at the top of this page.

Media Coverage

Check out the February 2016 issue of Nylon Magazine - we're quoted in an article about fandom!

What Else We’re Writing

We've written several articles for Supernatural Magazine, including features on the fan convention experience, and behind the scenes on the set. We have also written the academic version of this story, Fandom at the Crossroads: Celebration, Shame and Fan/Producer Relationships , and edited a collection on fan culture, Fan Culture: Theory/Practice.
You can also order our book Fan Phenomena: Supernatural, with chapters by cast, crew and fans of Supernatural. Check out what Misha Collins and Richard Speight, Jr. have to say in their insightful (and amusing) chapters. Click the links at the top of the page to order.

And coming in May 2017, look for an exciting new book - Family Don't End With Blood: Cast and Fans on How Supernatural Changed Lives with powerful chapters by ten Supernatural actors including Jared Padalecki!

Kathy is also the Principal Editor and Lynn on the Editorial Board of The Journal Of Fandom Studies, published by Intellect. The most recent issue is available now.